Getting publicity for restaurants has to focus on getting reviews in local newspapers and on TV. Plan a public relations campaign several months in advance of your opening. Prepare marketing materials to reflect the style of the restaurant and the cuisine, such as American, Italian, Asian, organic and healthy, or any other type of food.
Always describe the dishes and menus to appeal to the palate. Whenever I have written restaurant reviews, I get hungry. That’s what you want to induce in readers. You want them to be craving your food.
Your PR plan should include these essential elements:
- Menu
- Picture of the restaurant and a map insert
- Press release to announce the grand opening
- Copies of reviews
- Coupon
If your restaurant is already open and you want to attract new customers, then pay attention to the holidays. Combine a promotion with an upcoming holiday, such as Mother’s Day or Father’s Day. Don’t forget Valentine’s Day and Halloween. Highlight special menus for those occasions.
Write a press release about the holiday and tie it to your restaurant offerings. Develop contacts with newspaper reporters in the area that cover food, dining out, and lifestyle.
For more information, contact The Publicity Whiz, 305-206-4488.
